Pick up a bottle of packaged drinking water in Kerala and you’ll often see terms such as BIS, IS 14543, quality tested, purified water, or with minerals on the label.
For many consumers, the BIS mark is simply a sign that the water is safe. But there is more to it.
There is also an important update to know. BIS certification is no longer a mandatory requirement for packaged drinking water and mineral water in India from January 1, 2026. FSSAI removed the earlier mandatory requirement and introduced a separate testing scheme.
So what does BIS certification mean today? Why does the BIS standard still matter? And what should you check when buying packaged drinking water in Kerala?
Let’s break it down.
What Is BIS?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national standards body. It develops Indian Standards for products and services, including drinking water.
For packaged drinking water, the relevant standard is IS 14543. The current version is IS 14543:2024, Packaged Drinking Water, Other than Packaged Natural Mineral Water, Specification.
The standard covers:
- Physical quality
- Taste, odour and appearance
- Microbiological safety
- Chemical parameters
- Pesticide residues
- Radioactive residues
- Packaging
- Sampling and testing
- Manufacturing hygiene
- Product marking
BIS therefore looks at much more than whether water appears clear.
BIS Certification and BIS Standards Are Not the Same Thing
This is where things can get confusing.
A BIS standard is a technical specification that defines what a product should meet.
BIS certification is a conformity assessment route through which a manufacturer can demonstrate compliance with an applicable Indian Standard.
Historically, BIS certification was mandatory for packaged drinking water and packaged natural mineral water. FSSAI removed that mandatory requirement in October 2024, with its new testing scheme becoming effective from January 1, 2026.
So older articles saying every packaged drinking water bottle must have a BIS certification mark are no longer accurate.
The BIS standards remain relevant, but mandatory BIS certification is no longer the rule.
What Does BIS Certification Mean for a Water Brand?
If a packaged drinking water manufacturer holds BIS certification for the relevant standard, it indicates that the manufacturer has chosen to demonstrate conformity through the BIS certification framework.
For consumers, that can provide additional information about the manufacturer’s quality system.
However, it should not be treated as the only measure of water safety. Since the regulatory framework changed in 2026, consumers should also consider current FSSAI requirements and testing obligations.
BIS certification can be a useful quality signal, but the absence of a BIS mark does not automatically mean the water is unsafe or non-compliant.
What Is IS 14543:2024?
IS 14543 refers to the Indian Standard for packaged drinking water other than packaged natural mineral water.
The standard covers water filled into sealed containers for human consumption. Permitted sources can include surface water, seawater, civic water supply, underground water and other sources, followed by specified treatment processes.
Physical and Organoleptic Quality
This includes:
- Colour
- Odour
- Taste
- Turbidity
- Total dissolved solids
- pH
Microbiological Quality
Testing can cover microorganisms including:
- E. coli or thermotolerant bacteria
- Coliform
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Vibrio species
- Yeast and mould
BIS laboratory records for IS 14543:2024 include these and other microbiological parameters.
Chemical Quality
The standard also covers chemical parameters and limits for substances that can affect water safety, including toxic substances, pesticide residues and radioactive residues.
That’s why serious packaged drinking water production requires more than basic filtration.
What Happens Before Packaged Drinking Water Reaches You?
Quality control begins well before a bottle reaches a shop.
1. Source Water Assessment
The manufacturer needs to understand the quality and characteristics of the source water.
The source could be groundwater, civic supply, surface water or another permitted source.
2. Purification and Treatment
Treatment depends on the source and finished product requirements.
IS 14543 recognises processes such as filtration, demineralisation, remineralisation and reverse osmosis among specified treatment approaches.
3. Laboratory Testing
Water needs to be tested against relevant quality parameters.
A bottle may look completely normal while laboratory testing is still needed to assess microbiological and chemical quality.
4. Hygienic Bottling
After treatment, water must be packaged under hygienic conditions. Packaging itself also has requirements covering suitable containers, packing and marking.
5. Storage and Distribution
The process doesn’t end at the filling line. Water still needs proper storage and transportation until it reaches the customer.
Why Testing Matters More Than Appearance
Imagine two bottles sitting next to each other. Both are crystal clear and both taste fine.
Can you tell which one meets all microbiological and chemical parameters simply by looking at them?
No.
That’s why water quality standards rely on laboratory testing rather than appearance alone. IS 14543 includes physical, microbiological and chemical requirements, as well as pesticide and radioactive residue testing.
Clear water isn’t automatically quality water.
What Changed in 2026?
This matters if you’re reading older information online.
FSSAI’s December 17, 2025 advisory states that mandatory BIS certification was removed through a gazette notification dated October 17, 2024. The dedicated testing scheme for packaged drinking water and mineral water became effective on January 1, 2026.
So instead of asking only:
“Does this bottle have a BIS mark?”
ask:
“Does this product meet the current applicable safety and quality requirements?”
That’s the better question.
BIS Certification vs Current FSSAI Requirements
| Aspect | BIS Certification | Current FSSAI Framework |
| Main role | Conformity to a BIS standard | Food safety and regulatory compliance |
| Water standard | IS 14543 | Current FSSAI requirements and testing scheme |
| Mandatory for PDW/MW? | No, from 2026 | Current compliance applies |
| Testing | BIS certification framework | FSSAI testing scheme |
| Consumer value | Quality/conformity signal | Regulatory safety framework |
These aren’t competing systems. They serve different purposes and should be understood together.
What Should Kerala Consumers Check on a Water Bottle?
You don’t need to understand every laboratory parameter before buying a bottle.
Check the Product Category
Is it packaged drinking water or natural mineral water?
These are different categories.
Check the Manufacturer
Look for the name and address of the processor or manufacturer.
Check the Batch Information
Batch or code information helps with traceability.
Check the Date
Look for the manufacturing or packaging date and applicable expiry or use-by information.
Check the Seal
Don’t buy a bottle with an obviously damaged or tampered seal.
Check Storage
Avoid bottles stored carelessly, particularly in direct sunlight or excessive heat.
BIS product documentation includes requirements for product name, processor details, batch/code number, date, expiry/use-by, net quantity and storage directions.
What About the BIS Mark on Older or Existing Bottles?
If you see a BIS Standard Mark on packaged water, don’t assume it is meaningless simply because mandatory certification changed.
It may indicate that the manufacturer has BIS certification under the relevant framework.
However, the presence or absence of the mark should not be your only test of safety. The current FSSAI testing and compliance framework remains important.
Is BIS Certification Still Relevant for Water Companies?
Yes, but its role needs to be understood correctly.
BIS standards continue to provide detailed technical benchmarks for packaged drinking water. IS 14543:2024 remains an important reference for product quality, testing, packaging and hygiene.
For manufacturers, following a recognised standard can help create a structured quality-control system.
For consumers, it helps explain the quality parameters expected from packaged drinking water.
Brands that voluntarily maintain BIS certification can use it as an additional indication of conformity with the applicable BIS standard.
Why This Matters for Mineral Water Brands in Kerala
Kerala has a large market for packaged water. People buy bottled water for:
- Everyday hydration
- Travel
- Offices
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Weddings
- Conferences
- Schools and institutions
- Outdoor events
Consumers aren’t simply looking for water. They’re looking for confidence in the product.
A dependable packaged drinking water brand needs to focus on source management, purification, testing, bottling, storage and distribution. Certification can be one part of that story, but it doesn’t replace good manufacturing practices or ongoing compliance.
BIS Standards and Kriztle
Kriztle operates in Kerala’s packaged drinking water market, with products designed for different consumption needs.
The brand’s product information highlights its nature-sourced positioning and modern purification approach, with different bottle formats for individual, household, business and event requirements.
Quality isn’t just about what appears on the front of the bottle. It involves the processes behind it, from water sourcing and treatment to hygienic packaging and distribution.
Consumers should therefore look beyond terms such as “mineral”, “natural”, or “pure” and consider the product category, applicable standards, regulatory information, packaging and the manufacturer’s quality practices.
Common Misconceptions About BIS Certification
“BIS certification is still mandatory for every bottled water brand.”
Not anymore.
FSSAI removed the mandatory BIS certification requirement for packaged drinking water and mineral water, with its new testing scheme effective from January 1, 2026.
“If there is no BIS mark, the water is unsafe.”
Not necessarily.
The current framework does not make the BIS certification mark mandatory. FSSAI’s current testing and compliance requirements apply to packaged drinking water and mineral water.
“BIS only checks whether water is clean.”
No.
IS 14543 covers physical, microbiological and chemical requirements, along with packaging, marking, sampling and testing.
“Mineral water and packaged drinking water follow the same standard.”
No.
IS 14543 covers packaged drinking water other than packaged natural mineral water. Natural mineral water has a separate BIS standard, IS 13428.
What Makes a Reliable Packaged Drinking Water Brand?
When choosing a regular water brand in Kerala, consider:
- Proper source management
- Appropriate purification
- Regular laboratory testing
- Hygienic production
- Suitable packaging
- Clear product information
- Proper storage and distribution
- Compliance with current food-safety requirements
- Consistent quality
No single logo can replace all of these.
A trustworthy brand builds its reputation through what happens behind the bottle.
The Bottom Line
For years, consumers were taught a simple rule: look for the BIS mark on your bottled water.
Today, the situation is more nuanced.
BIS still plays an important role in setting technical standards, and IS 14543:2024 provides detailed requirements covering quality, testing, packaging and hygiene.
But mandatory BIS certification for packaged drinking water and mineral water was removed, and from January 1, 2026, FSSAI’s dedicated testing scheme applies to these products.
For Kerala consumers, don’t rely on one certification logo alone.
Read the label. Check the product category, seal and storage condition. Understand who makes the water, and choose brands that take quality control and regulatory compliance seriously.
It’s not simply about buying a bottle with the right logo. It’s about knowing what you’re drinking and feeling confident about your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS certification mandatory for packaged drinking water in Kerala?
No. Mandatory BIS certification for packaged drinking water and mineral water was removed, and FSSAI’s current testing scheme took effect on January 1, 2026.
What is IS 14543?
IS 14543:2024 is the Indian Standard for packaged drinking water other than packaged natural mineral water. It covers physical, microbiological and chemical requirements, testing, packaging, marking and hygiene.
Does a BIS mark mean bottled water is safe?
A BIS Standard Mark can indicate conformity with applicable BIS certification requirements. Consumers should also consider current FSSAI requirements, testing, packaging, storage and the manufacturer’s overall quality practices.
What is the difference between IS 14543 and IS 13428?
IS 14543 applies to packaged drinking water other than packaged natural mineral water. IS 13428 applies to packaged natural mineral water.
What should I check before buying packaged drinking water?
Check the product category, manufacturer information, batch number, date information, seal, packaging condition, storage conditions and applicable regulatory information.
Is packaged drinking water with minerals the same as natural mineral water?
No. Packaged drinking water may contain minerals, including through permitted remineralisation, but that does not automatically make it natural mineral water. The product category and applicable standard determine its classification.
Final Thoughts
BIS certification can sound complicated, especially when regulations change.
The simplest way to look at it is this: BIS provides important technical standards, while the current food-safety framework determines the regulatory requirements manufacturers need to follow.
For packaged drinking water in Kerala, consumers should look beyond one certification symbol and pay attention to the whole picture.
Choose a brand that takes its source, purification, testing, packaging and handling seriously. That’s a much stronger foundation for trust.
If you’re exploring packaged drinking water in Kerala, Kriztle offers a range of products built around its Kerala-focused, nature-sourced identity and modern purification approach.